Seismic response of sliding structures

Abstract eng:
The accumulation of slip displacements may arise during the seismic response of engineering structures. The most commonly used procedure to estimate their magnitude is the well known sliding block model proposed by Newmark (1965). This model and its subsequent modifications proposed in the literature have been useful in evaluating the seismic response of various structural and geotechnical applications, such as footings, seismic isolation systems, earth and concrete gravity dams, embankments, retaining walls, reinforced slopes and waste landfills. The main parameters that have been investigated are the flexibility of the sliding system, the geometry of the sliding mass (for the case of earth structures), the nonlinear behaviour, the interface shear strength (generally described as Coulomb friction) and the characteristics of the excitation, namely, the maximum applied acceleration and the frequency content. The aim of the current study is to demonstrate the most important issues related to the seismic response of sliding structures. For this purpose, several simple models were examined both analytically and numerically. Initially, analytical expressions of the occurrence conditions of sliding were derived taking into account the prevailing factors of the problem. These expressions are very useful for the seismic design of structures, since the accumulation of permanent displacements may be prohibitive for some “sensitive” structures. Finally, parametric finite element analyses demonstrate the impact of two important and commonly neglected factors, i.e. the two-dimensional response of earth structures and the initial stress state. The significance of these parameters is demonstrated via a direct comparison with simple models. The present study provides an insight into the fundamental principles governing the seismic response of sliding structures.

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